Final Top 25 poll

By Nate Sandstrom

Another college football season is in the books and overall I rate it unspectacular in comparison with some recent years. Maybe that's partly because I've never been an avid follower of the Big 12 South or the SEC and those two divisions/conferences were involved in the biggest games each Saturday this season.

I think the greatest moment is probably Michael Crabtree's catch over Texas that cost the 'Horns a shot at a national title. Other moments/points I will always remember were Ole Miss stopping Tim Tebow on a fourth and one to preserve an upset, Georgia Tech gashing Georgia's defense in third quarter of that rivalry game, that tipped Allen Everidge interception that Michigan ran back for a TD (which began the Badgers' lost season), how awful the Clemson offense was in the season opener agaist Alabama and Pittsburgh stopping West Virginia's final drive to win the Backyard Brawl for the second straight year.

Last but certainly not least is the way in which Utah sliced Alabama's defense on their first drive in the Sugar Bowl and cruised to a 21-0 lead. I was so impressed with the win, which I essentially count as a road game, that I am joining 16 other AP writers in putting the Utes #1.

For all the teeth-nashing about not having a college football playoff, this is only the second time I remember ranking a team #1 that did not get a share of the national title (1994 Penn State is the other).

I'm still not going to yell for a playoff, but if something playoff-like is installed, here's what I would like to see:

Play all bowl games as normal, and make sure they are all done by New Year's Day (there were only like five New Year's game this year, it was awful). Then select four teams that won their bowl games and have a mini-playoff. It would still be done by Jan. 15, before spring semester begins at most schools.

For what it is (or isn't) worth, here are my final rankings (W-L, pvs rank):
1) Utah (13-0, 10). Most impressive of any of the BCS teams in their bowl game.
2) Florida (12-1, 1). Clutch takeaways give Gators official title.
3) USC (12-1, 5). Also a dominating bowl performance, but it was a home game.
4) Texas (12-1, 3). McCoy should've been Heisman; led another clutch drive in Fiesta Bowl.
5) Oklahoma (12-2, 2). You can't get inside the six twice and come away with no points.
6) Alabama (12-2, 4). #1 rankings seems like a long time ago.
7) TCU (11-2, 14). Knocks Boise from ranks of undefeated and came closest to beating Utah.
8) Boise State (12-1, 8). Another great year, including win at Oregon.
9) Penn State (11-2, 6). What if Iowa missed that kick and PSU's secondary was in title game?
10) Ohio State (10-3, 9). Think Bucks are looking forward to hosting USC next Sept.?
11) Texas Tech (11-2, 7). Disappointing Cotton Bowl, but at least they've kept their coach.
12) Oregon (10-3, 13). Just another 10-win season in Eugene.
13) Georgia (10-3, 16). Despite rocky times, end their season with a New Year's win.
14) Mississippi (9-4, 17). Beat Florida, Texas Tech and LSU in banner year.
15) Oklahoma State (9-4, 11). A young team that will try to avoid step back next year.
16) Virginia Tech (10-4, 23). At least they snapped ACC's 8-game BCS losing streak.
17) Cincinnati (11-3, 12). Wish they could have that Orange Bowl over.
18) Oregon State (9-4, 21). Three losses to teams in my Top 12.
19) Pittsburgh (9-4, 19). Bowl game shutout a sour end.
20) Iowa (9-4, 20). May have been best team in the Big Ten.
21) California (9-4, NR). Good season in what could have been a down year.
22) Missouri (10-4, NR). Second straight year with double-digit wins, but still underacheived.
23) Nebraska (9-4, NR). Maybe there is a 'D' in Lincoln.
24) LSU (8-5, NR). Peach, er, Chik-Fil-A bowl provides some redemption.
25) Georgia Tech (9-4, 15). Despite blowout bowl loss, Paul Johnson led Jackets to a great year.

Now, with 2008 in the books, we can all look to 2009. NationalChamps.net, the Atlanta Journal-Constitution and SI.com already give you a look — and it's about the same as this year.